A double mutation in the Covid-19 virus is a possible cause of the huge surge in cases the nation has been experiencing. For months India saw a decrease in cases from the time experienced a summer surge that reached a peak in September 2020. Then, in March the number of new COVID cased began to climb, along with hospitalizations and deaths.
According to data provided by the WHO(the World Health Organization ), there were over 259,170 new confirmed cases reported, on Tuesday, April 20th. While just a month ago, the number was 43,846. In that same time period, the number of total cases has jumped by more than 4 million, from 11,559,130 to 15 321 089. With a population of 1,324,171,000, making sure that everyone has adequate treatment for COVI-19 symptoms, or any other medical issues have been a daunting task.
India has opened vaccination to every adult in the country. The Indian government agency, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reports 12,71,29,113 people have been vaccinated against the virus.
But still, questions remain on how well the vaccinations will hold up again the virus that has a double mutation. This variant, B.1.617, has the E484K and L425R mutations. According to Reuters, an official in Israel has said that the Pfizer vaccines have some degree of effectiveness at this Indian variant.
Due to the surge of cases in India, the CDC has now recommended that individuals do not travel to India.
